Trowbridge

Counselling gets big Help

Eva Ashmore and Amanda Wilkes of Help Counselling with, standing, Help vice-chairman John Knight and Isabel Martindale, Barbara Bridgeman and John Cottle of Friends of Bradford on Avon Community Healthcare, which donated £10,000

A donation of £10,000 to stave off the threat of closure has been received by Help Counselling Services.

Following an appeal launch last month, the charity, based at Bridge House, Trowbridge, was given the money by the Friends of Bradford on Avon Community Health-care (FOBOACH).

Help, run by two part-time staff and eight volunteers, offers one-to-one therapy for over-16s across Wiltshire.

Barbara Bridgeman, secretary of FOBOACH, said: “We didn’t know that they were in such dire need until we read it in the Wiltshire Times.

“The Friends are committed to supporting groups which benefit the healthcare needs of local residents. We wish Help every success and hope they will be able to assist those who seek their help well into the future.”

Help, which provides advice on issues such as depression, anxiety, mental health issues and domestic abuse, does not receive Government or health service grants and had its Wiltshire Council funding cut 11 years ago.

Isabel Martindale, the Help chairman of trustees, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the money as we were getting close to the edge.”

The charity celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, but still needs more money. Service manager Amanda Wilkes said: “We still need people’s help and I’d encourage anyone to donate what they can.”

To offer a donation, call 01225 767459 or visit www.helpcounselling.co.uk